7 MAY 1881, Page 2

Alexander III. has not yet resolved to issue the decree,

signed by his predecessor, calling a Consultative Parliament. He has, however, agreed to a reform which may prove important,—the consolidation of the Ministry into a Cabinet, which will com- municate its advice through the Premier, who will be either Count Melikoff or General Miliutine. Advice thus tendered will, it is believed, weigh far more heavily than that of indi- vidual Ministers, while the resignation of a Cabinet will be a serious event, The change suggests that the Ministry them- selves have become impatient of the Czar's absolutism, which may overthrow their best-considered plans. The Czar still hesitates to call a Parliament, his energetic brother Vladimir, it is said, strongly resisting that course ; but Councils are con- stantly held upon the subject. Meanwhile, the Czar lives in the gloomy palace of Gatschina, and the precautions taken for his safety are of the most elaborate kind, including, it is said, an arrangement which renders his bedroom inaccessible from the rest of the palace. The precautions are possibly ex- aggerated, but it is certain that the Nihilists issue incessant proclamations, and keep up a terrorism which appals those around the Emperor.